Lufthansa Cargo has launched a service for private customers and has taken complete ownership of the time:matters Group.

The new service, called myAirCargo, is only available online and organizes door-to-door transport for private customers.

“We are excited that private clients can now benefit directly from our many years of air cargo experience,” said Peter Gerber, CEO and chairman of the executive board of Lufthansa Cargo. “By doing so, we are occupying an innovative niche in the market between postal services and forwarders. Book air cargo quickly and easily online, at first hand – only we can do that.”

The service, which will initially only be available between Europe and the US, will be extended to other countries and regions in the coming months, according to the carrier.

Separately, Lufthansa Cargo has increased its share in spare-part logistics company time:matters from 49% to 100%.

“time:matters has established itself in recent years as the leading specialist for same-day delivery and emergency logistics in Europe,” said Gerber. “With time:matters, we are aiming to grow our business in the special segment as well. Our focus is all about maximum reliability, exceptional service and customized solutions.”

The company was spun off as a Lufthansa subsidiary in 2002, with the other 51% being held by financial investor Aheim Capital and time:matters management.

“After around 10 years of intensive cooperation with the time:matters management team, we are pleased to be in a position to hand over to Lufthansa Cargo a company which, with its employees, is among the most innovative and creative in its industry and therefore represents an excellent platform for future air freight logistics concepts for the Lufthansa Group,” said Peter Blumenwitz, partner at Aheim Capital.

The takeover of time:matters, which is to remain an independent company, is part of the “7 to 1: new concepts for growth” strategy, according to Lufthansa.